Parker Brings Attention to Middle School PDF Print E-mail
By JOEL McNEECE
Stacia Parker isn't just excited about her new job as principal of Calhoun City Middle School. She's excited that the students and teachers in the middle grades are finally going to get the attention they deserve.
"With only a high school principal and one office, there's only so much they could do," Parker said. "This is better for our students and teachers."
The middle school, which sits on the east side of the high school campus, had previously been under the guise of the high school administration. Superintendent Mike Moore chose to separate it this year and hire a new principal to lead the new school. Thirty-eight-year-old Parker, who has taught 16 years at Calhoun City Elementary, was hired last month.
"I loved my job at Calhoun City Elementary," Parker said. "But I knew I was ready for something else. I just thought it would be teaching a different grade. I prayed to be led in the right direction and everything just fell into place."
stacia_parkerParker said she's been blessed that things have typically fallen into place for her.
"God's always put someone in my path to take care of me," Parker said.
She’s originally from Slate Springs, the daughter of Willie Jobe and Shirley West.
"My parents have always been very encouraging," Parker said.
She married her high school sweetheart, Kent Parker, when she was young. Their first child Colby was born while she was in college. Today the couple has four kids – Colby, 20, Evan, 12, Grayson, 8, and Kenley, 3.
"I didn't know what I wanted to do when I went to college, but after a few courses that got me involved with young children I knew I was in the right place," Parker said. "Having a child in college re-emphasized to me that I wanted a career involving kids."
Calhoun City Elementary Principal Dale Hays, whose recent retirement opened the door for Parker to get the middle school job, hired her straight out of college. She started as a fourth grade teacher and later moved to kindergarten.
"The veteran teachers at Calhoun City Elementary like Judy Myers, Linda Harrelson, Sharon Hays and others, really took me under their wings and set a great example for me," Parker said. "Their work ethic, dedication and how they were always there for their kids really influenced me."
Parker earned her administrative degree in 1997, but not with another job in mind.
"I cared nothing about being a principal at the time," Parker said. "My sister Melany (Taylor) and Tyanne Bailey really talked me into it. I just wanted my masters."
She then began filling in for CCES Principal Angie Weldon in her absence.
"Angie was really encouraging for me," Parker said. "And I began seeing things I would do if I were a principal."
Among Parker's initiatives is to involve the teachers in the decision-making process.
"I think that's important before making major decisions," Parker said. "I think parental involvement is essential, too. We have kids going through so much today, more than we ever know."
It's important to Parker that all of her students know that the school officials have their interest at heart.
"When kids see people taking an interest in them, I think it makes a difference," Parker said. "How teachers, principals, even secretaries treat them has a big impact."
Parker is still getting the office set up at the middle school.
"It's been exhausting in a good way," Parker said. "It's been busy since there wasn't an office already here."
"The support from the teachers, parents, and the community, including Bruce and Vardaman, has been amazing," Parker said. "The other principals in the county have all been tremendously supportive in helping us get started."
Parker is over grades 5-8 at Calhoun City, approximately 270 students.
Parker said she wants to get a parent support group started, find some more space for her students and teachers, and do more landscaping around the school.
"If we want to succeed as a community it has to start with the schools," Parker said. "So we need to make it stand out. I'm confident we can do that."
She’s also confident she’s in the right place.
“It’s been a wonderful experience already getting to know so many new people and working with new teachers,” Parker said. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”